Wire-core applicator with bevelled hollow fiber bristles

ABSTRACT

A mascara brush comprising a core made of at least two wire sections twisted with one another along a wire-core longitudinal axis and a set of bristles made of bristles formed from plastic filaments, each of said bristles being held in a clamped manner between the two wire sections and being formed on the free ends thereof with or without a wedge-shaped bristle tip, wherein the bristles, at least partially, are formed from internally hollow filaments, a solution is provided with which the mass delivery in relation to the known applicators is improved. Same is achieved in that, in particular at least, the bristles formed on the inside in a hollow manner on the radially outward free ends have an oblique cut in the form of a simple wedge and comprise a wedge-shaped bristle tip comprising at least one cut surface forming a wedge.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to a mascara brush with an inner core of atleast two wire portions twisted together and with a bristle coveting ofbristles formed by internally hollow filaments that are each heldclamped between the two wire portions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Applicators of this type are also referred to as wire core applicators,

These applicators are still greatly appreciated today, because not onlydo they afford advantages with regard to their application, but alsohave various advantages in production that cannot be achieved with theinjected applicators that compete with them. For example, small seriescan also be manufactured rather effectively because as a rule, verydifferent wire core applicators can be produced on the existingproduction systems without considerable sums having to be invested innew tools for the one special applicator, unlike for injectedapplicators.

In general, it also applies to wire core applicators that they aresupposed to meet two requirements, in particular:

Their bristle covering is supposed to have as great a mass storagecapacity as possible so that the applicator needs to be dipped into thecosmetics supply only once or only a few times in order to envelop theeyelashes with a sufficiently voluminous layer of mascara mass.

On the other hand, their bristle covering is supposed to have as good aseparation capacity as possible, i.e. the capacity of separatingobliquely overlying eyelashes of the curve of the eyelashes and aligningthem in a largely parallel manner. The reason for this is not least thatthe eyelashes can only be provided with the desired volume by means ofthe mascara mass if they are each coated all around individually, andnot already previously drenched and stuck together in clumps withmascara mass.

In general, it thus applies to wire core applicators that they aresupposed to meet high requirements, in particular, for the mass storagecapacity with regard to the substance that is, to be applied with them.

In the present case, however, the point is not only to increase the massstorage capacity to such an extent that the applicator does not have tobe dipped in anew and recharged all too often during the application ofmascara. The primary additional point is to ensure also that an eyelashis wetted as intensively as possible with mascara mass during anapplication process in order to instantly make the eyelashes appear asvoluminous as possible in this manner—without having to coat theeyelashes several times and, in the process, take the risk that theseparating action suffers and that adjacent eyelashes still sticktogether at some point due to the multiple application of mascara.

The approach to achieve this is to provide the mascara applicator withbristles that, each for itself, carries as thick a film of mascara massas possible after dipping them into the mascara supply.

Various solutions have already been proposed in the prior art to takeaccount for this.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,733,425 proposes the use of bristles thatare internally hollow or have a star-shaped, non-circular cross section.These bristles are said to have an excellent mass storage capacity, inparticular the internally hollow bristles, because they are capable ofstoring mascara mass in their interior due to their capillary action,given a corresponding theological setup of the mascara mass.

If such bristles are examined systematically, it is found that thebristles are indeed capable of accommodating mascara mass rather welldue to the capillary action of their hollow interior region. In thiscase, the accommodation of mascara mass is facilitated not least by thefact that, between two application processes, the applicators arefrequently immersed for hours in the storage container filled withmascara mass so that the capillary action, which naturally causes acomparatively slow “suction”, is able to come to bear unrestrictedly.

The result appears more critical when it comes to the discharge of themascara mass during the application, which lasts only a short moment.Even if the bristles are bent back and forth and the supply stored intheir interior is thus put under pressure and conveyed towards theoutside, it is found in systematic tests that the discharge of mascara,mass constitutes a “bottleneck”, so that in this respect, improvementsare called for.

Therefore, it is the object of the invention to specify a mascara brushequipped with hollow bristles in which the mass discharge is improvedover the known applicators.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The mascara brush according to the invention comprises an inner core ofat least two wire portions twisted together and a bristle covering ofinternally hollow filaments that are each held clamped between the twowire portions. In this case, the filaments for bristles, which areinternally hollow, though most frequently no longer in the clamping areaof the wire core, but otherwise, and thus have the required capillaryaction for accommodating mascara mass. In this case, the point is not atall that mascara mass is drawn into the bristle over its entire lengthor a predominant part thereof due to the capillary action; rather, onlythe processes at the radially outward end of the respective brush are ofinterest.

In a first aspect, the mascara brush according to the invention ischaracterized in that the radially outward free ends of the bristles arecut obliquely like a simple wedge, so that a first side of the bristleconcerned, viewed from the wire core along the respective bristle, has amaximum longitudinal extent and the second side diametrically oppositeto it has a minimum longitudinal extent. This means that the bristleends are not pointed in the manner a chisel or a roof, i.e. from twosides, Instead, a single end face, which is referred to as a cut faceand extends obliquely in a wedge-like manner relative to thelongitudinal bristle axis and which, speaking figuratively, is similarto the obliquely cut end of a cut rose, is provided at the end of thebristle concerned.

In this case, the term “cut obliquely” in the sense of the invention isnot to be understood to mean that the wedge surface needs to have beenproduced by a cutting process, i.e. by “obliquely cutting” the filament,rather, it may also have been produced by correspondingly grinding thebristle end; this is actually the preferred manufacturing method.

The crucial point is that the oblique cut, or the wedge surface producedthereby, causes the mouth of the bristle to become significantly largerand thus creates a larger area in which mascara mass can be stored insuch a way that it is immediately available for discharge uponapplication, and that mascara mass that is stored slightly deeper in thebristle interior can also be discharged more easily via the greater areaof the mouth.

In addition, the cut face of the bristles produced by the oblique cutforms a large contact area, which the individual eyelash can slide alongfor a fairly long time before it slips off the end face of the bristleand comes to lie between adjacent bristles. Meanwhile, the eyelash hasample opportunity for being wetted with mascara mass. The inventiondiffers from the prior art also in this respect, because an individualeyelash is capable of remaining only for a much shorter time on asmall-surface end face extending substantially perpendicularly to thelongitudinal bristle axis of a hollow bristle without an oblique cutface, before it slips into the spaces between the bristles.

In a mascara brush of the type referred to in more detail in theintroduction, which has bristles having at their free ends awedge-shaped bristle tip and at least one cut face (4) forming a wedge,the surface roughness (Rz) of the respective cut faces (4) can bebetween 0.2 um and 6.3 μm, in particular between 2.9 μm and 6.3 μm.

The surface roughness Rz, which is also referred to as roughness depth,is to be determined in accordance with DIN EN ISO 4287/4288.

By forming wedge-shaped cut faces, which improve combing, with theindicated roughness Rz between 0.2 μm and 6.3 μm, in particular between2.9 μm and 6.3 μm, the mascara accommodating capacity of each bristlecut in a wedge-shaped oblique manner is improved. In this case, it isparticularly advantageous that, due to the roughness according to theinvention, the obliquely extending cut faces have a good mascaraaccommodating capacity and, thus, also a correspondingly good mascaradischarging capacity to the eyelash hairs that first slide along themduring the combing process. Thus, the cut faces are of particularimportance since, during the make-up process, the eyelashes are fastguided along this surface and slide along it at the beginning of themake-up movement. In particular, the surface roughness (Rz) can beproduced by grinding the bristle ends by means of a grinding disk. Theroughness and, along with it, the mass accommodating and mass storagecapacities for mascara mass ate improved by the grinding. In particular,the desired roughness of the oblique cut Face can be influenced anddetermined by selecting the roughness of the grinding disk(s) usedduring grinding accordingly.

That is, the above-mentioned object is achieved with a mascara brushwith an inner core of at least two wire portions twisted together and abristle covering of bristles formed by filaments. The filaments are eachheld clamped between the two wire portions. The bristles are made from ahollow plastic material and carry at their free ends a wedge-shaped tipinstead of an end face extending substantially perpendicularly to thelongitudinal bristle axis.

It is therefore useful if the total number of bristles has, for thepredominant part, a wedge-shaped tip with at least one cut face, and apart of the bristles has a wedge-shaped tip with a cut face formed by anoblique cut.

As will be explained in greater detail later, the at least one wedgesurface with which a bristle can be equipped according to the inventionmakes it possible to push the bristle between the eyelashes in such, amanner, at the beginning of the application, that the respective eyelashbetter remains in contact with the bristle, even after the eyelash hasslipped from the cut face forming the wedge surface into the area of thebristle shaft. Thus, the respective bristle shaft and the cut faces,which keep a thicker film of mascara mass stored due to their increasedroughness, are able to discharge more of this mascara mass to theeyelash. Thus, a better coating of the eyelash takes place. Not least,the eyelash volume to be achieved benefits from this.

Preferably, the wedge-shaped tip of the respective bristle is formed byan oblique cut like a simple wedge, so that a first side of the bristleconcerned has a maximum longitudinal extent (L_(MAX)) and the secondside diametrically opposite to it has a minimum longitudinal extent(L_(MIN)). A particularly long and, relative to the longitudinal bristleaxis, gently sloping wedge surface can thus be produced, which benefitsthe effect to be utilized according to the invention.

For other cases of application, the wedge-shaped tip can be formed by adouble oblique cut, which consists of two surfaces that run towards eachother and intersect at the free end of the bristle, at least in theirimaginary extension. In this manner, the bristle concerned is able toact on both sides and thus influence two eyelashes at the same time,which have come to lie against the bristle from different sides. A partof the bristles can have a wedge-shaped tip formed by a double obliquecut, which has two cut Paces running towards each other which, or theimaginary extensions of which, intersect at or in the area of the freeend of a respective bristle. A bristle configured in this manner is ableto push eyelashes away to both sides and thus separate them. Unlike abristle that is simply obliquely cut, such a bristle does not exhibit anirritating preferred direction.

It is particularly beneficial if the cut faces are substantially planarin themselves, ideally, two opposite cut faces at the same bristle endsubstantially have the same size.

The bristles can be orientated in such a way that the one or the twoopposite cut facet(s) at a bristle tip are disposed transversely to thelongitudinal wire core axis, wherein, then, particularly those bristlesthat are equipped only with a unilateral cut face are disposed andorientated in such a way that a part of the respective cut faces isorientated with an orientation towards the brush tip carrying thebristle covering, and a part is orientated towards the opposite brushend. In another embodiment, the invention is therefore characterized inthat the cut faces are orientated transversely, in particularperpendicularly, to the longitudinal wire core axis (LD). Further, it isadvantageous in this case if the cut faces of the bristles are, in part,orientated with one cut face in the direction towards the brush end and,in part, towards the, brush tip. Accordingly, within the context of thispreferred exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the cut face formedby the oblique cut is orientated in such a way that, looking along thelongitudinal wire core axis (i.e. looking frontally at the free end ofthe wire core or frontally at the free end of the wire core provided forattachment to the stem), one looks frontally at the cut face, whereasone does not look at the cut face if one looks in the circumferentialdirection. Preferably, this applies to all bristles of the covering.

A mascara brush can have several types of bristles configureddifferently at their bristle tips. For example, a bristle covering canhave, in its entirety, bristles with a tip that is not pointed and notformed in a wedge-shape, and bristles with a bristle tip that is formedin a wedge-shape and has two opposite cut faces, and bristles with abristle tip that is formed in a wedge-shape but has a cut face only onone side, with the cut faces being orientated in different directions,in one case towards the bristle end and in one case towards the bristletip. Therefore, it is particularly useful if individual types ofbristles are systematically arranged in the bristle covering and arerespectively associated with areas, zones or sectors of the bristlecovering. In one development, the invention is therefore furthercharacterized in that the bristle covering has several areas, sectors orzones, which are orientated to extend, in the circumferential directionof the bristle covering, transversely, in particular perpendicularly, tothe longitudinal wire core axis (LD), or, in the circumferentialdirection of the bristle covering, spiral-shaped to the longitudinalwire core axis (LD), or, in the longitudinal direction of the bristlecovering, alongside of, in particular parallel to, the longitudinal wirecore axis (LD), and which respectively comprise at least one bristle rowconsisting of several adjacent bristles that each have an identicallyconfigured bristle tip, or are formed by such a bristle row, and which,in the circumferential direction and/or in the longitudinal direction ofthe bristle covering, are respectively disposed adjacent to one area orsector or zone comprising several bristles, whose bristles have, incomparison therewith, a differently configured bristle tip.

In this case, however, it is also possible that the bristle covering hasseveral areas, sectors or zones, which are orientated to extend, in thecircumferential direction of the bristle covering, transversely, inparticular perpendicularly, to the longitudinal wire core axis (LD), or,in the circumferential direction of the bristle covering, spiral-shapedto the longitudinal wire core axis (LD), or, in the longitudinaldirection of the bristle covering, alongside of, in particular parallelto, the longitudinal wire core axis (LD), and which respectivelycomprise at least one bristle row consisting of several adjacentbristles, whose adjacent bristles each have a differently configuredbristle tip.

Thus, for example, of the above-described types of bristles or of thosedescribed in this application as a whole, all bristle types can bedisposed in each case individually alternately adjacent to each other inan area or a zone or a sector and thus form an area or a zone or asector. However, it is also possible that only one bristle type isrespectively disposed in an area or a zone or a sector and that then,for example in the circumferential direction of the bristle covering, anarea or a zone or a sector with a respectively different bristle typerespectively follows alternately. Preferably, an area or a zone or asector comprises at least two bristles. Of course, all logicallypossible combinations of bristle types and areas, zones and sectors arepossible. For example, not all of the above-mentioned bristle types orall of the bristle types described herein as a whole have to exist inevery zone or every area or every sector or be present, as a matter ofprinciple, in a bristle covering.

The extent of a zone, an area or a sector may vary. In another usefulembodiment, the invention therefore provides that the several areas,sectors or zones, in the circumferential direction, transversely orlongitudinally to the longitudinal wire core axis (LD), sweep over thecircumference or a partial area of the circumference of the bristlecovering once.

In principle, an area or a zone or a sector sweeps over an angulardistance that constitutes ⅛ to 1/64 of the circumference or of theenveloping circle of the bristle covering, and thus an angular extentbetween 5.6° and 45°.

With respect to the bristles that are respectively equipped with abeveled cut face, it may be useful to provide, in each case alternately,an area or a sector or a zone in which the cut faces of all bristles areorientated to point in the direction towards the brush tip, and an areaor a sector or a zone in which the cut faces of all bristles areorientated to point in the direction towards the brash end. For example,this can be produced by moving, in a first step, a grinding disk overthe bristle covering from the brush tip, parallel and alongside thelongitudinal wire core axis, to the brush end in order to produce thecut faces, then rotating the bristle covering or the mascara brush by ⅛of a turn, for example, which corresponds to a rotation by 45°, and thenmoving the grinding disk in a second step in a direction opposite to thefirst step from the brush end, parallel and alongside the longitudinalwire core axis, to the brush tip. This sequence of steps is carried outuntil the grinding disk has moved and swept across the full 360°circumference of the bristle covering once.

Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the bristle covering consists ofbristles or filaments with a wedge-shaped pointed portion and consistsof further bristles or filaments without a wedge-shaped pointed portion,the bristle covering being preferably configured in such a way that thebristles or filaments with a wedge-shaped pointed portion form one ormore sector(s) of the bristle covering and the further bristles orfilaments form one or more further sector(s) the sector(s) and thefurther sector(s) preferably and ideally following each otheralternately in the circumferential direction, which an embodiment of theinvention also provides.

According to another embodiment of the invention, it is useful ifbetween 1 and 8 sectors and between 1 and 8 further sectors areprovided.

In this case, it may further be advantageous that the bristles orfilaments with the wedge-shaped pointed portion are disposed in such away, in the bristle covering that otherwise consists of further bristlesor filaments, that they form a track extending in a spiral shape on thecircumferential enveloping surface of the bristle covering, which theinvention also provides.

Furthermore, it may be useful that the further bristles or filaments aremade of the same material as the bristles or filaments with awedge-shaped pointed portion.

Also in this case, it is advantageous that the chisel faces of thebristles or filaments with a wedge-shaped pointed portion, neglectingtheir wedge angle, are orientated perpendicularly to the course of theimaginary longitudinal axis of the spiral-shaped track.

It is particularly useful if the angle (a) by which the cut face(s)formed by the oblique cut or the double oblique cut is/are inclinedrelative to the longitudinal bristle axis complies with the relationshipα≦55°, and ideally even α≦35°, This results in each case in aparticularly long cut face well-suited for use, because it slopes onlygently relative to the longitudinal bristle axis. Compliance with therelationship a 20° has proved to be absolutely ideal. Preferably, thisis associated with a so-called double grinding, i.e. one and the samecut thee is ground for a first time and then, in a separate workingstep, a second time, whereby such a steep angle can be obtained.Therefore, the invention is further characterized in that, for the angleby which the cut face(s) formed by the oblique cut or the double obliquecut is/are inclined relative to the longitudinal bristle axis, therelationship is α≦55°, preferably a α≦35°, in particular α≦20°.

The filaments forming the bristles can have a non-round cross section,and preferably a polygonal or quadrilateral cross section.

Surprisingly, it was found to be particularly beneficial to configurethe bristles or filaments, according to the invention, in a tube-shaped,internally hollow manner, preferably over the entire length (prior totwisting). This results in a particularly beneficial synergistic effect,particularly if the oblique cut is produced by grinding the bristles. Ifthe bristle is internally hollow, it is capable of storing mascara masswith its cavity, which is discharged during application to the outsidevia the mouth of the cavity, which is located right in the center of thecut face. As a result, the eyelashes are already pre-coated as theyslide along the cut face, which further improves the application ofmascara as a whole. An essential point is in this case that the obliquecut, or the wedge surface produced thereby, causes the mouth of theinternally hollow bristle to become significantly larger and thuscreates a larger area in which mascara mass can be stored in such a waythat it is immediately available for discharge upon application, andthat mascara mass that is stored slightly deeper in the bristle interiorcan also be discharged more easily via the greater area of the mouth. Inaddition, the cut face of the bristles produced by the oblique cut formsa large contact area, which the individual eyelash can slide along for afairly long time before it slips off the end face of the bristle andcomes to lie between adjacent bristles. Meanwhile, the eyelash has ampleopportunity for being wetted with mascara mass. The individual eyelashis capable of remaining only for a much shorter time on a small-surfaceend face extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinalbristle axis of a hollow bristle without an oblique cut face, before itslips into the spaces between the bristles. Therefore, the invention ischaracterized in that the bristles or filaments are configured to betube-shaped and internally hollow, as well as continuously slit in thedirection along their longitudinal axis. It is beneficial to configurethe bristles to be continuously slit in the direction along theirlongitudinal axis. In this manner, the bristles or filaments becomeslightly more unstable, or their stability can be controlled better, sothat during application, the bristles are deformed more strongly in sucha way that mascara mass stored in their cavity is discharged via itsmouth in the area of the oblique cut.

Preferably, the outer diameter of bristles 1 with a circularconfiguration is ≧115 μm, and even better ≧215 μm, in the predominantnumber of cases, the outer diameter of the bristles 1 with a circularconfiguration used in the invention is ≦320 μm. in an embodiment, theinvention is therefore also characterized in that the outer diameter ofbristles with a circular configuration is ≧115 μm, preferably ≧215 μm,and ≦320 μm.

Where the bristles are non-circular, it applies that the outerenveloping circle of bristles configured to have a non-circular crosssection has an enveloping circle diameter which is ≧100 μm, and betterstill ≧200 μm. In the predominant number of cases, the outer envelopingcircle of the bristles with a non-circular configuration used in theinvention is ≦340 μm, and better still, ≦320 μm. Finally, the inventionis characterized in that the outer enveloping circle of bristlesconfigured to be non-circular has an enveloping circle diameter which is≧100 μm, preferably ≧200 μm, and ≦340 μm, in particular ≦320 μm. Theenveloping circle is to be understood to be the circle into which therespective cross section of the bristle can be plotted with the bestfit.

Both the outer diameter of the bristles and the enveloping circlediameter are configured to be ≦340 μm, in particular ≦320 μm, becausethe bristles would otherwise become so coarse that their capacity forseparating the eyelashes is limited too much.

Where the bristles are hollow, the wall thickness of the bristles used,which is measured perpendicularly to the outer surface, can be between15 μm and 100 μm. The wall thickness of the bristles, or of theirbristle jacket which delimits the cavity inside the bristle, is in eachcase selected such that the hollow bristle, under the influence of theforces typically occurring during application, undergoes sufficientlystrong deformation to press the mass stored in its interior towards theoutside.

It has proved to be particularly beneficial if the corners of theradially outward bristle tips are rounded.

In addition, particles can also be admixed to the plastic material, or asupplementary effect improving the mass accommodating capacity can alsobe obtained by so-called indentations, i.e. point-shaped depressions,instead of by particles protruding locally from the surface, i.e. by aplurality of local depressions in the bristle surface which, seenmicroscopically or greatly enlarged, provide the bristle surface with aprofile like a crispbread and thus make it more absorbent.Advantageously, the number of indentations or point-shaped depressionsor impressions distributed over a respective bristle is greater than200.

A further need for optimization may exist if the wire core applicatorhas a particularly dense bristle covering. In that case, it is basicallyclear that the separation capacity of the bristles can be increasedfurther by producing the bristles from as hard a material as possible,which provides the bristle with a higher rigidity or buckling strengthwith the same diameter, and thus causes two positive effects. A rigidbristle is inherently better capable of penetrating between overlyingeyelashes of the curve of the eyelashes. In addition, a rigid bristlehas a much smaller tendency to evade the grinding disk, and thereforeoffers the possibility of a more pronounced grinding of the tips than asofter bristle. However, the attempt to use hard materials and, inparticular, hard plastic materials reveals the problem that the qualityof the outer edge of the ground surface can decline during grinding. Theproblem may occur that the edge no longer forms a clean continuous linebut possibly exhibits a ragged contour, which may impede the sliding ofthe eyelashes along the edge. In order to avoid this, it may be providedthat the bristles are made from two different plastics; that they have abristle jacket of a first, softer material and a bristle core, which isconnected to the bristle jacket, of a second, harder material. Sincebristles that are as hard as possible and, at the same time, slender areadvantageous for separating the eyelashes as efficiently as possible, itwould as such have been obvious to produce the jacket of the filament orthe jacket of the bristles from the harder material, and not the core.This reason for this is that the radially outward areas of a cylinderare known to contribute much more to the bending rigidity than thecentral or core area of a cylinder located close to the neutral fiber.However, it was found that the core also provides the filament or thebristles formed by the filament with a greater bending rigidity, evenwhen the bristle ends are ground to a generous extent and in the processlose the predominant part of their original jacket in the ground area.The hard core, which is preserved to a good extent even during grinding,simplifies making the free bristle ends pointed in as flat a manner aspossible by grinding them, for it prevents the bristles from being ableto evade the grinding disk all too easily, thus coming into contact withthe grinding disk with insufficient intensity, so that they areefficiently ground and, above all, ground over a considerable length.Thus, the above-described embodiment of the bristles makes it mucheasier to provide the respective bristle end with as flat a wedge angleas possible and at least with as long a wedge surface as possible.

On the other hand, the behavior of the soft jacket supported by the hardcore is exceptionally non-problematic during grinding, and itsurprisingly forms a well-defined outer edge, free from fraying and/orchipping, i.e. irregularities that the individual eyelashes could hookinto when the pointed bristle end penetrates the eyelash cover, whichcould affect the separation result adversely.

It can be advantageous if the predominant part of the filaments orbristles of the bristle covering is made from such a material mix andstructure. For example, a certain number of filaments, e.g. thinnerfilaments, which frequently forms a minority and which consists of onlya single material in each case, may be among the filaments that, forexample, form the bristle covering or the brush covering These arepreferably filaments that are consistently made from the softer materialalso used for the ground filaments.

It can be provided that at least 75% of all filaments, and ideally evenall of the filaments used for a mascara applicator, are made from theclaimed material mix.

The first and preferably also the second material can be a plastic,ideally a thermoplastic plastic.

The two plastics can be firmly bonded to each other by co-extrusion, andthe filaments can be sections of a continuously co-extruded thread orseveral continuously co-extruded threads. In this case, co-extrusion isnot simply an arbitrary, exchangeable method, but embosses thecontinuous thread, and thus also the filaments cut from it, and in turnthe bristles formed therefrom, with its particular microstructure. Onthe one hand, this microstructure is characterized in that the twodifferent plastic, materials are glued or welded or fused with eachother particularly intimately and, on the other hand, that their plasticmolecule chains have a significant orientation in the direction of thelongitudinal axis, which later forms the longitudinal bristle axis. Acavity can be formed, for example after co-extrusion of such a filament,by slitting and partial removal of the core.

As the second material, such a material is to be preferred which has amodulus of elasticity (E modulus) of at least ≧1300 N/mm². It issignificantly better if the second material has an E modulus of at least≧1700 N/mm². For most cases of application, it is advisable if themodulus of the second material does not exceed 2700 N/mm².

It may be beneficial to incorporate polyamide 6.12 into the bristle coreas the first material. In this case, the first material may have a ShoreD hardness of ≦80. The method for measuring the Shore hardness D isstandardized; the relevant standards are the standards DIN EN ISO 868and DIN ISO 7619-1.

Within the context of a preferred exemplary embodiment, it is providedthat the filaments, in the non-clamped state, i.e. prior to their beingclamped between the wire legs twisted together, have a non-round crosssection, and preferably a quadrilateral cross section, over the entirelength. The bristles that are formed from these filaments after twistinghave a corresponding cross section.

Within the context of a preferred exemplary embodiment, it is providedthat the angle α by which the cut face formed by the oblique cut isinclined relative to the longitudinal bristle axis IL complies with therelationship α≦55°, and ideally even α≦35°. In particular, thecompliance with the preferred value results in a long oblique cut viawhich a significant part of the mascara mass stored by the bristleconcerned can also be discharged again. Within the context of aparticularly preferred exemplary embodiment, which is produced by asecond grinding in the predominant number of cases, an angle of α≦20° isprovided, which results in particularly slender bristles.

It has proved to be particularly beneficial if the cut face of theoblique cut is orientated in such a way that, looking along thelongitudinal applicator axis (i.e. looking frontally at the free end ofthe wire core or frontally at the five end of the wire core provided forattachment to the stem), one looks at the cut face, and not when lookingalong the circumferential direction. Given such an orientation of thecut face, the surface in the direction of movement of eyelashes movinginto the bristle covering in the radially inward direction has themaximum size, so that the chance of individual eyelashes directlyimpacting the cut face is particularly large.

It has proved to be particularly beneficial if the corners of theradially outward bristle tips are rounded.

Preferably, it applies for the outer diameter of the bristles accordingto the invention, which are configured to be circular, that the outerdiameter is greater than or equal to 115 μm, and better still greaterthan or equal to 215 μm. In this case, the outer diameter in many casesof applications should preferably not exceed 320 μm, because thebristles would otherwise become so coarse that their capacity forseparating the eyelashes is limited too much.

Similar dimensions should be complied with if bristles with a non-roundcross section are used.

In this case, it preferably applies that the outer enveloping circle ofthe bristles according to the invention configured to be non-circularhas an enveloping circle diameter which is greater than or equal to 100μm, and better still greater than or equal to 200 μm. The envelopingcircle is to be understood to be the circle into which the respectivecross section of the bristle can be plotted with the best fit.Preferably, there is also an upper limit for the enveloping circlediameter in this case which should be complied with in order to avoidtoo-coarse bristles with an insufficient separation capacity. Also inthis case, the enveloping circle diameter for many cases of applicationshould not exceed 350 μm, and better yet 320 μm.

The wall thickness of the bristles, or of their bristle jacket whichdelimits the cavity inside the bristle, must in each case be selectedsuch that the hollow bristle, under the influence of the forcestypically occurring during application, undergoes sufficiently strongdeformation to press the mass stored in its interior towards dieoutside. Preferably, the wall thickness of the bristles according to theinvention, which is measured perpendicularly to the outer surface, istherefore between 15 μm and 100 μm. in each case including the limitvalues.

Further mechanisms of action, advantages and optional embodiments andmodifications of the invention become apparent from the followingdescription of some exemplary embodiments with reference to the Figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the bristle according to theinvention from the front, in a top view onto the cut face forming thedesired wedge surface.

FIG. 2 shows a bristle of the invention according to FIG. 1 in a sideview of its wedge surface.

FIG. 3 shows a section of FIG. 2 along the longitudinal bristle axis andloaded with mascara mass.

FIG. 4 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a bristle according to theinvention from the front, i.e. in a top view onto the wedge surface.

FIG. 4a shows a section through the bristle shaft of the bristleaccording to FIG. 4, which is carried out underneath the wedge surfacealong a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal bristle axis.

FIG. 5 shows a third exemplary embodiment of a bristle according to theinvention from the front, i.e. in a top view onto the wedge surface.

FIG. 6 shows a section through the bristle according to FIG. 5, which iscarried out along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal bristleaxis.

FIG. 7 shows another modified exemplary embodiment that is closely basedon the exemplary embodiment described FIGS. 1 to 3.

FIG. 8 is a complete overview of a wire core applicator equipped withthe bristles according to the invention.

FIG. 9 shows the orientation of the cut face of the oblique cut, whichis orientated in such a way that, looking along the longitudinalapplicator axis, one looks at the cut face.

FIG. 10 once again shows the orientation of the cut face of the obliquecut, which is orientated in such a way that, looking along thelongitudinal applicator axis, one looks at the cut face.

FIG. 11 shows a variant of the invention with alternately pointed andnon-pointed bristles.

FIG. 12 shows an enlarged detail from FIG. 6.

FIG. 13 shows a section of the variant shown by FIG. 6, in a frontalview from the front.

FIG. 14 shows a section of an alternative embodiment of the bristlevariant shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Generally, such an applicator or such a mascara brush 18 as it is shownby FIG. 8 is produced by placing a plurality of, at first, mostlystraight filaments between at least one wire clamp 11 with two straightwire portions 12, 13. Preferably, a portion of a continuously extrudedfiber is referred to as a filament in the sense of the invention.Generally, the filaments are placed between the wire sections 12, 13 ofthe wire clamp 11 in such a way that they protrude to a substantiallyequal extent (preferably maximally +/−10%) on both sides of the wireclamp 11 or of its wire portions 12, 13.

The wire portions 12, 13 are then twisted together, whereby thefilaments are distributed and then firmly clamped between the wireportions. Generally, each filament forms two bristles 1. After twisting,While the brush is rotating, the brush contour is cut by means of amilling cutter and a counter blade in such a way that the plurality ofthe radially protruding bristles corresponds to a predetermined brushbody, exactly according to the drawing. In a next step, the bristles arethen beveled according to the invention, most frequently by grinding.

Thus, it is only “different sides of the same coin” that are addressedwithin the context of this description when the term “filament” is usedat one time and the term “bristle” at another time.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show the details of an exemplary embodiment of a bristle 1according to the invention.

In this exemplary embodiment, the bristle has a circular cross section,and the bristle is internally hollow, preferably over its entire lengthup to its anchoring point at its base between the twisted wires, seeFIG. 1. Thus, the bristle forms a tube whose interior is able toaccommodate and store mascara mass, at least in the area close to itsmouth towards the outside.

At its radially outward free end, the bristle 1 has an oblique cut 3like a simple wedge. This means that a first side of the bristleconcerned, seen in the direction along the longitudinal bristle axis L,has a maximum longitudinal extent L_(MAX) and the second sidediametrically opposite to it has a minimum longitudinal extent L_(MIN).Thus, one side of the bristle is longer than the side diametricallyopposite to it, see FIG. 2.

In this case, the bristle is, in any case, not only “slightly” obliquelycut, but exhibits a clearly recognizable oblique cut 3. Preferably, theangle by which the cut face 4 formed by the oblique cut 3 is inclinedrelative to the longitudinal bristle axis L complies with therelationship α≦55°, and ideally even α≦35°. An additional grinding, withwhich an angle α≦20° can be obtained, has a particularly advantageouseffect on the degree of slenderness of the wedge.

It is ensured in this manner that the cut face is sufficiently large toobtain the effect intended by the invention, once again see FIG. 2.

Not only because of this, the result is a very pronounced cut face 4,which preferably has such a length that it extends over at least 1/10,better yet over at least ⅙ of the total length of a bristle, hi otherwords, it can be said that it is particularly beneficial for many casesof application if the following relationship is complied with:L_(MAX)≦L_(MIN)+½×filament diameter to L_(MIN)+2×filament diameter. Withsaid additional grinding, this can be increased to up toL_(MAX)≦L_(MIN)+4×filament diameter—as can be seen in FIG. 2, which inthis respect is not drawn to scale, referring to the cut face length AFLdimensioned there.

It must be noted that FIGS. 1 and 2 show an optional exemplaryembodiment whose cut face 4 is substantially planar, i.e. level initself. Another embodiment preferred even more for certain cases ofapplication is illustrated in FIG. 7.

This embodiment corresponds fully to the embodiment shown by FIGS. 1 and2, and differs from it only by the cut face 4 being curved convexlyoutward, at least in some areas, mostly predominantly. Ideally, the cutface (for example like a pocket watch glass) is convexly curved in twomutually perpendicular directions. Surprisingly, tests have shown thatsuch a convex curvature significantly improves the discharge of thestored mascara mass and the wetting of the eyelashes sliding past evenmore.

The effect obtained with the invention can best be explained withreference to FIG. 3. The mascara mass, which in this case is depicted inblack, enters into the hollow bristle core 5 completely or at least tosome extent, and is stored there. If the bristles are moved or bent,e.g. when passing the wiper and/or during the actual application, acertain overpressure is produced in the hollow bristle core, which, inany case, presses the mascara mass stored in the area close to the mouthslightly outwards, so that the mascara mass is available for transfer tothe eyelashes.

Due to the oblique cut 3 according to the invention, with its cut face4, the surface on which mascara mass is available for transfer to theeyelashes is now significantly increased, which FIG. 3 makes clearlyrecognizable.

In addition, the cut face 4 is able to better (generally, longer andmore intensively) come into contact with the eyelashes than a small endface extending approximately perpendicularly to the longitudinal bristleaxis L. Because such a small end face is more difficult to hit by theeyelashes, and when an eyelash has placed itself on this small end face,then the further movement of the eyelash in the direction towards theinside of the covering is impeded, so that soon, a tension builds upthat causes the eyelash to jump off the small end face, often evenbefore a large part of the mascara mass available at the bristle mouthcan be transferred onto it. This is different in the bristles with theconfiguration according to the invention. Here, the movement of theeyelashes W in the direction towards the inside of the covering is notimpeded substantially. Instead, the eyelash W is able to gradually slidealong the large cut face 4 in the direction towards the inside of thecovering and intensively accommodate mascara mass. Thus, the loading ofthe eyelashes with mascara mass is improved, and at the same time, thecapacity of the bristles to penetrate between the eyelashes is improved.

Turning again to FIG. 1, the outer bristle diameter 9 can be found to bedrawn into it, which in the case of circular bristles should preferablybe at least 115 μm, and better yet at least 215 μm.

Furthermore, the wall thickness 7 of the bristles according to theinvention can be found to be drawn into FIG. 1, which should preferablybe between 15 μm and 100 μm, in each case inclusive.

Looking at FIG. 2, it is to be noted that the cut face 4 preferably doesnot transition into the outer circumferential surface of the bristle ina sharp-edged manner, but forming a rounded portion, which of courseneed not be circular.

Preferably, the oblique cut is not produced by a corresponding obliquecutting during the separation of the continuous thread into individualfilaments, but by grinding the radially outward ends of the bristlesthat are held between the wire portions already twisted together.

In this manner, given a corresponding movement and positioning of thegrinding disk relative to the bristle to be ground, the preferredembodiment can be realized in which the cut faces 4 of the oblique cuts3 are orientated in such a way that, looking along the longitudinal axisLD of the wire core or of the brush, one looks at them as a whole. Thisconsiderably improves the contact between the eyelashes and thebristles, because the cut faces 4 in that case present the maximumsurface viewed in the direction in which the eyelashes move relative tothe bristles.

At which angle the grinding disk has to be held and moved relative tothe brush for this purpose cannot be generally defined in numbers, dueto the strong dependency on the rigidity and length of the specificallyused bristles; however, the person skilled, in the art is able to findout by tests common in the field of the bristles specifically used byhim, once he has been instructed on what he is to achievesystematically.

FIG. 4 shows a second exemplary embodiment, which is a modification ofthe first exemplary embodiment. This sole difference is that the bristleaccording to the invention is slit in the direction of the longitudinalbristle axis in this exemplary embodiment.

Preferably, the slit is configured as illustrated by FIG. 4a . In thatcase, the slit is configured so as to “gape”, i.e. that the edges of theslit, do not come to rest against each other if the bristle is not understrain, that the free cross section of the slit becomes practicallyzero. Furthermore, the slit is preferably configured in such a way thatit takes up between 7% and 21% of the total surface area of the wallcross section that an identical but unslit bristle has. Thesedefinitions for the slit also apply to bristles with a non-round crosssection.

For bristles with a round cross section, it, preferably applies that thecut-out angle β describing the slit complies with the followingrelationship 15°≦β≦50° β.

The above-described slit is the result of filaments continuously slitalone their length. Of course, the filaments are “squeezed together” inthe region of their clamping area between the twisted wire portions, sothat they form bristles that are slit from their radially outward end upto the clamping area between the twisted wire portions.

The slit offers the advantage that the bristles tend to become moreeasily deformable, so that also the small forces already occurringduring the actual application can be sufficient to deform the bristlesin such a way that the mascara mass first stored in their hollow bristlecore 5 escapes towards the outside through the mouth at the cut face 4and/or the slit 8 and is then available at this location to be taken upby the eyelashes.

FIG. 5 shows a third exemplary embodiment winch is a modification of theabove-described exemplary embodiments in the shape of bristles with acircular cross section. The only difference is that, in this exemplaryembodiment, the bristle according to the invention does not have a roundcross section, but a non-round one, or preferably a polygonal orquadrilateral one, preferably a square one.

Thus, the statements made previously with respect to the other exemplaryembodiments also apply to this exemplary embodiment, unless otherwisedefined because of its non-round cross section.

The crucial point is that bristles with a non-round cross section are inmany cases even more suitable for realizing the invention than bristleswith a round cross section. Because in the case of bristles with anon-round cross section, the bristles can be given a so-called preferreddirection, i.e. a direction in which the bristles have an increasedbending rigidity. The preferred direction can be combined in such a waywith the cut 3 that the forces that are generated at the wedge surfaceand tend to bend the bristles to the side are absorbed particularlywell, so that the bristle does not draw aside prematurely, but remainsin contact long and intensively with the eyelash resting against the cutface 4.

The statement above applies to a greater extent if the bristle is slitin the direction of the longitudinal axis, because in that case, thenon-slit surfaces that are laterally adjacent to the slit surface can bedimensioned in such a way that the weakening effect of the slit can becompensated to the exact extent this appears necessary in the individualcase in order to obtain an optimum application result.

Furthermore, it applies that it is particularly advantageous for aseries of cases of applications—particularly in those in which slitfilaments are used—if the bristle cross section is selected not only tobe non-round, but polygonal, or so as to have bends. In particular, itis configured to be rectangular.

As is easy to understand by referring to FIG. 5, such a cross section,in which the wall of the bristles has bends, results in a stabilizationof the bristle, similar to that obtained by beads or edges in a metalsheet. An excessive weakening of the bristle by the slit can also beavoided in this manner. This means that, on the one hand, the bristle isable to “work” or be deformed in such a way, not least under theinfluence of the forces occurring during application, that the mascaramass stored in the core of the bristle is discharged towards theoutside, but that, on the other hand, it is reliably avoided that thebristle is regularly overloaded in such a way during application that itcollapses or buckles due to the slit, and is then no longer capable ofcontributing meaningfully to the make-up result, but instead starts to“smear” until it has straightened up again after the overload has ended.

FIG. 6 shows some characteristic parameters of this exemplary embodimentaccording to FIG. 5. For example, the enveloping circle can be seenhere, which is depicted with a dash-dotted line and envelops the outercircumference of the bristle profile. Preferably, the diameter of thebristle profile is selected in such a way that the following applies tothe enveloping circle diameter 9*:9*≧100 μm, and better 9*≧200 μm.

For the wall thickness 7, however, the same applies as or the bristleswith the circular cross section.

Finally, it is stated that the bristle covering of the applicatorsaccording to the invention preferably completely consists of hollowfilaments for most cases of application. For other, most frequently morespecial cases of application, a mix of the hollow filaments according tothe invention and massive, preferably equally ground filaments ispreferred, wherein the hollow filaments most frequently form themajority.

FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 illustrate a variant of the mascara brush accordingto the invention, with an exceptionally advantageous application andseparation action.

As can be seen, the bristle covering in this case consists of bristlesla with an oblique cut formed from filaments, as described above, and offurther bristles lb without an oblique cut that are also formed fromfilaments.

In this case, the bristle covering is configured in such a way that thebristles la with an oblique cut form several sectors 100 of the bristlecovering and the further bristles 1 b form another sector 101. In theexample illustrated by the Figures, the sectors and the further sectorsfollow each other alternately, repeated in a pattern that ends flush inthe circumferential direction.

The number of the sectors depends on the individual case of use and thetheological properties of the cosmetic used. Preferably, between 1 and 8sectors and between 1 and 8 further sectors are provided.

Alternatively, there is the option of the filaments or bristles with theoblique cut being disposed in such a way, in the bristle covering thatotherwise consists of further filaments, that they form a trackextending in a spiral shape on the circumferential enveloping surface ofthe bristle covering, which is not shown here in the Figures.

Ideally, the further filaments are made of the same material as thefilaments with an oblique cut.

In another variant of the mascara applicator previously explained withreference to the Figures which is also inventive and therefore claimed,the covering is configured in such a way that the oblique surfaces ofthe filaments with an oblique cut, neglecting their wedge or bevelingangle, are orientated perpendicularly to the course of the imaginarylongitudinal axis of the spiral-shaped track.

FIG. 14 illustrates a variant of the mascara brush according to theinvention, with an exceptionally advantageous application and separationaction.

As can be seen, the bristle covering 26 in this case consists ofbristles 1 a, 1 c with a wedge-shaped pointed portion that are formed byfilaments, and of further bristles 1 b without a wedge-shaped pointedportion that are also formed from filaments, with the bristles 1 a, 1 conly differing with regard to the orientation of their cut face 4. Thecut face 4 of each of the bristles 1 a points towards the brush end 16,and the cut face 4 of each of the bristles 1 c points towards the brushtip 15.

In this case, the bristle covering 26 is configured in such a way thatthe bristles 1 a with the wedge-shaped pointed portion, of which severalare disposed adjacent to each other in a bristle row 17, form a sector100 of the bristle covering 26, the bristles 1 c with the wedge-shapedpointed portion, of which several are disposed adjacent to each other ina bristle row 17′, form a sector 102 of the bristle covering 26, and thefurther bristles 1 b, disposed in a bristle row 17″, form a furthersector 101 of the bristle covering 26. In the example illustrated inFIG. 14, the sectors 100 and 102 and the further sector 101 follow eachother alternately in the circumferential direction. The sector 102 isfollowed again by a sector 101. The sequence of sectors is continueduntil an arc of a circle of 360° is completed over the circumference ofthe bristle covering 26.

The number of the sectors depends on the individual case of use and therheological properties of the cosmetic used. Preferably, between 1 and 8sectors 100, 102 and between 1 and 8 further sectors 101 are provided.

Alternatively, there is the option of the filaments or bristles 1 a, 1 cwith the wedge-shaped pointed portion being disposed in such a way, inthe bristle covering 26 that otherwise consists of further filaments orbristles 1, 1 b, that they form a track extending in a spiral shape onthe circumferential enveloping surface of the bristle covering 26, whichis not shown here in the Figures.

Ideally, the further filaments or bristles 1 b are made of the samematerial as the filaments or bristles 1 a, 1 c with a wedge-shapedpointed portion.

In another variant of the mascara applicator previously explained withreference to the Figures, which is also inventive and therefore claimed,the covering is configured in such a way that the chisel faces of thefilaments or bristles with a wedge-shaped pointed portion, neglectingtheir wedge angle, are orientated perpendicularly to the course of theimaginary longitudinal axis of the spiral-shaped track.

While all the bristles 1 a, 1 b, 1 c of a respective bristle row 17,17′, 17″ are identically configured with regard to the configuration ofthe bristle tip in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 14, abristle row ma of course also be formed of bristles that each havedifferently configured bristle tips. For example, it is possible thatbristles 1 a, 1 b, 1 c are formed next to one another and adjacently ina bristle row, which are disposed in a repeating pattern relative toeach other, with the pattern forming a sector, an area or a zone. Alllogically possible combinations can be realized. Also, sectors, areas orzones may extend in a spiral shape over the circumference of the bristlecovering 26 or be disposed, configured and orientated so as to extend inthe longitudinal direction of the longitudinal wire core axis LD.

1. A mascara brush, comprising: an inner core of at least two wireportions twisted together; and a bristle covering of bristles formed byinternally hollow filaments that are each held clamped between the twowire portions, wherein radially outward free ends of the bristles havean oblique cut like a simple wedge, so that a first side of each bristlehas a maximum longitudinal extent (L_(MAX)) and a second sidediametrically opposite to the first side has a minimum longitudinalextent (L_(MIN)).
 2. A mascara brush comprising: an inner core of atleast two wire portions twisted together along a longitudinal wire coreaxis (LD); and a bristle covering of bristles of plastic formed bfilaments that are each held clamped between the two wire portions andthat are configured at their free ends with a wedge-shaped or without awedge-shaped bristle tip, wherein at least some the bristles are formedfrom internally hollow filaments, and the bristles formed to beinternally hollow have at their radially outward free ends an obliquecut like a simple wedge, and comprise a wedge-shaped bristle tip with atleast one cut face forming a wedge.
 3. The mascara brush according toclaim 2, wherein the cut faces of the bristles are, in part, orientatedin a direction towards a brush tip and, in part towards a brush endopposite the brush tip.
 4. The mascara brush according to claim 2,wherein the bristle covering has a plurality of areas, sectors or zones,which are orientated to extend, in a circumferential direction of thebristle covering, transversely to the longitudinal wire core axis (LD),or, in the circumferential direction of the bristle covering,spiral-shaped to the longitudinal wire core axis (LD), or, in alongitudinal direction of the bristle covering, alongside of thelongitudinal wire core axis (LD), and which respectively comprise atleast one bristle row consisting of a plurality of adjacent bristlesthat each have an identically configured bristle tip, or are formed bysuch a bristle row, and which, in the circumferential direction and/orin the longitudinal direction of the bristle covering, are respectivelydisposed adjacent to one area or sector or zone comprising a pluralityof bristles each having a differently configured bristle tip.
 5. Themascara brush according to claim 1, wherein the bristle covering has aplurality of areas, sectors or zones, which are orientated to extend, ina circumferential direction of the bristle covering, transversely to alongitudinal wire core axis (LD), or, in the circumferential directionof the bristle covering, spiral-shaped to the longitudinal wire coreaxis (LD), or, in a longitudinal direction of the bristle covering,alongside of the longitudinal wire core axis (LD), and whichrespectively comprise at least one bristle row consisting of a pluralityof adjacent bristles, whose adjacent bristles each have a differentlyconfigured bristle tip.
 6. The mascara brush according to claim 4,wherein the a plurality of areas, sectors or zones, in thecircumferential direction, transversely or longitudinally to thelongitudinal wire core axis (LD), sweep over the circumference or apartial area of the circumference of the bristle covering once.
 7. Themascara brush according to claim 2, wherein the bristle coveringconsists of bristles or filaments with a wedge-shaped pointed portionand of further bristles or filaments without a wedge-shaped pointedportion, wherein the bristles or filaments with a wedge-shaped pointedportion form one or more sector(s) of the bristle covering and thefurther bristles or filaments form one or more further sector(s) thesector(s) and the further sector(s) following each other alternately ina circumferential direction.
 8. The mascara brush according to claim 7,wherein between 1 and 8 sectors and between 1 and 8 further sectors areprovided.
 9. The mascara brush according to claim 7, wherein thebristles or filament with the wedge-shaped pointed portion are disposedin such a way, in the bristle covering that otherwise consists offurther bristles or filaments that the bristles or filaments with thewedge-shaped pointed portion form a track extending in a spiral shape ona circumferential enveloping surface of the bristle covering.
 10. Themascara brush according to claim 7, wherein the further bristles orfilaments are made of the same material as the bristles or filamentswith a wedge-shaped pointed portion.
 11. The mascara brush according toclaim 9, wherein chisel faces of the bristles or filaments with awedge-shaped pointed, portion, neglecting their wedge angel, areorientated perpendicularly to a course of an imaginary longitudinal axisof the spiral-shaped track.
 12. The mascara brush according to claim 4,wherein an area or a zone or a sector sweeps over an angular distancethat constitutes ⅛ to 1/64 of a 360° circumference or of a 360°enveloping circle of the bristle covering.
 13. The mascara brushaccording to claim 4, wherein an area or a sector or a zone in Which thecut faces of all bristles are orientated to point in a direction towardsa brush tip, and an area or a sector or a zone in which the cut faces ofall bristles are orientated to point in a direction towards a brush endopposite the brush tip, are configured respectively alternately.
 14. Themascara brush according to claim 1, wherein the cut faces formed by theoblique cut each have a surface roughness (Rz) of between 0.2 μm and 6.3μm.
 15. The mascara brush according to claim 2, wherein the filamentsare slit along their length or the bristles or filaments are tube-shapedand internally hollow, as well as continuously slit in a direction alongtheir longitudinal axis.
 16. The mascara brush according to claim 1,wherein an angle (α) by which a cut face formed by the oblique cut isinclined relative to a longitudinal bristle axis (L) complies with therelationship α≦55°.
 17. The mascara brush according to claim 1, whereinthe filaments have a non-round cross section.
 18. The mascara brushaccording to claim 1, wherein the oblique cuts forming the simple wedgeare orientated relative to a longitudinal axis (LD) of the wire core insuch a way that, looking along the longitudinal axis, one looks at theoblique cuts.
 19. The mascara brush according to claim 1, wherein anouter diameter of bristles with a circular configuration is ≧115 μm. 20.The mascara brush according to claim 1, wherein an outer envelopingcircle of bristles configured to be non-circular has an envelopingcircle diameter (9*) which is ≧100 μm, and ≦340 μm.